Coromandel International Ltd, India’s leading agri-inputs company, has partnered with Sankara Netralaya Eye Hospital to conduct 10 eye health camps in Ennore.
The initiative aims to provide essential eye care services to the fishing community. This community faces significant barriers to accessing healthcare due to time constraints and the lack of ophthalmology facilities in the region.
Bringing Eye Care to the Community
Fishing is the primary livelihood in Ennore, with fishermen spending their mornings at sea and the rest of the day mending nets.
This demanding schedule leaves little time for hospital visits. Recognizing this challenge, Coromandel and Sankara Netralaya have acted. They have taken healthcare directly to the community through mobile eye camps. These camps will benefit approximately 1,200 individuals, mainly aged 40 to 65.
Coverage Across Key Locations
The eye camps are being held across multiple locations, including Periya Kuppam, Chinna Kuppam, Sivanpadai Veedhi, Thazhang Kuppam, Ernavur Kuppam, Nettukuppam, Nehru Nagar, Kamaraj Nagar, Kamalamma Nagar, and Thazhangkuppam Quarters.
They have successfully conducted camps in Periya Kuppam, Chinna Kuppam, and Sivanpadai Veedhi, with more scheduled in the coming weeks.
Comprehensive Eye Care Services
At each camp, a trained teleophthalmology team from Sankara Netralaya conducts thorough eye examinations. They detect early signs of eye conditions and provide follow-up care.
Beneficiaries diagnosed with vision deficiencies receive free spectacles within 20 days of the camp.
Sankara Netralaya’s base hospital refers people with cataracts or fundus-related issues. They receive free treatment, ensuring continuous care for Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.
Commitment to Community Welfare
Arun Leslie George, President & CHRO of Coromandel International, emphasized the company’s dedication to social responsibility.
He said, “At Coromandel, we are committed to creating a positive impact on the communities we serve. The eye care camp initiative reflects our dedication to improving healthcare accessibility for the fishermen of Ennore. By collaborating with Sankara Netralaya, we aim to provide quality eye care without disrupting their livelihood”.
Successful Launch and Future Plans
The most recent eye camp in Thazhang Kuppam was launched in the presence of key representatives from Coromandel International, including R. Shanmugam, Senior General Manager – Manufacturing, Unit Head, Jayagopal Chathur – Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, and other senior officials such as M. Kumar, Manager-HR, Mr. M. Vetrivel, AGM-Production, and Mr. S. Parameswaran, AGM – Mechanical Maintenance.
As per the press release, their presence underscored the company’s strong commitment to community welfare.
This initiative highlights Coromandel International’s proactive approach to addressing healthcare challenges and ensuring the well-being of the Ennore fishing community.